Welcome to this edition of the 2025 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2025 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Minnesota Wild, which has four WHLers in its prospect pool.
Minnesota doubled its WHL prospect pool during the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. After selecting Prince George Cougars' forward Riley Hedit in 2023 and Red Deer Rebels' goaltender Chase Wutzke in 2024, the Wild selected Victoria Royals' defenceman Justin Kipkie and Brandon Wheat Kings' forward Carter Klippenstein in June. In the end, Minnesota continued its long-standing tradition of drafting WHLers, which has now been extended to 10 years.
Starting with Heidt, he had a historic final WHL season. The 20-year-old had 90 points in 60 games and became Prince George's all-time assists and points leader. Listed at 5'11", 179 lbs, Heidt will be making the jump to the AHL next year.
Next up is Wutzke, who finished his second full season in the WHL. The 19-year-old posted a record of 17-25-5 with a save percentage of .895. Listed at 6'2", 161 lbs, Wutzke will most likely return to the WHL next year for his overaged season.
As for Kipkie, he became one of the rare players to be drafted twice into the NHL Draft. The 20-year-old was originally a fifth-round pick by the Arizona Coyotes in 2023 before being a fifth-round pick by the Wild this year. Listed at 6'4", 207 lbs, Kipkie will be spending next season at Arizona State University.
Lastly, Klippenstein was a fourth-round pick this past year. The 18-year-old set a new career high with 28 points in 58 games. Listed at 6'3", 181 lbs, Klippenstein is scheduled to return to the WHL for the 2025-26 campaign.
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